A large meta-analysis looked at the effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops on myopia, which is a common condition where children have trouble seeing distant objects. The study included data from 4,374 children of various ethnicities to see how well the drops slowed the growth of the eye and the change in vision.
The results showed that the eye drops slowed the progression of nearsightedness overall by 37% compared to a placebo. The study also found that the effectiveness of the drops varied by ethnicity. Specifically, the reduction in progression was 66% for South Asian children, 35% for East Asian children, and 28% for white children.
While the study shows a clear link between atropine and slower vision changes, it is important to note that results vary based on the child's background. Because this is a meta-analysis of several trials, it provides a broad overview of the data. You should talk to an eye doctor to see if this treatment is right for your child's specific needs.
